This funding aims to support communities to improve the places in which they live and the wellbeing of those most in need.

Please note: from now until the end of 2019 we will be changing some of our internal systems to improve the experience of applying for and using our grants. While we do this we expect it may take us longer than usual to process applications. It could take up to 6 months for us to tell you our final decision for grants up to £150,000.

Who can apply?

This funding is for organisations in Scotland that are based in the local area they serve and are run by local people.

Your organisation should have a governing body, such as a committee or board which includes at least three unrelated people and a written governing document, such as a constitution. This governing document should make it clear that your organisation has:

a social purpose – your organisation must have a clearly stated purpose which benefits the local area in some way

open membership – everyone living in the area should be able to get involved in your organisation and the work that it does

community control – the majority of people serving on your governing body are from the local area and make the decisions.

If your organisation doesn’t meet the above criteria but you feel it is representative of the people in your area we are still interested in hearing from you.

We can’t accept applications from one organisation applying on behalf of another. Existing The National Lottery Community Fund grantholders can apply but you can only have one medium grant for community-led activity at a time.

What can you apply for?

You can apply for funding for between three and five years to improve or continue existing services, or to develop new activity. We can fund up to 100% of the costs of this activity including staff, equipment, premises costs and overheads. We will mainly offer revenue funding, but can also consider minor capital work (up to £50,000).

The National Lottery Community Fund is a Living Wage Friendly Funder. This means that we encourage our applicants to pay their staff the UK Living Wage.